Mumbai plays host to The Queer Nazariya film festival that kicks off tomorrow, at a free screening of cinema from 13 countries. Ricky Martin would approve

'Gay feelings stay underground like the subway,' proclaims a character from one of the films to be screened at the Queer Nazariya Festival.
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In an effort to counter that sentiment and create awareness about alternative sexual identities, gay-themed films from 13 countries will be featured at the fest, which runs from April 2 to 4.

"Work on the fest began after The Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexuality, bringing great hope to the gay community," says Sophie Parisse, festival co-curator.

Sophie Parisse (left) and Smriti Nevatia at the conference to announce Queer Nazariya.

Nodi Murphy, director and co-founder, SA's Out In Africa gay and lesbian film festival, will attend the Queer Nazariya Film Festival.

"There is a vestige of similarity between South African and Indian culture," says Sophie, shedding light on the reason for the association.

"Queer realities and gay themes are often equated only with the West, which is also why we hope to feature more films from the sub-continent in the future," says Smriti Nevatia, festival co-curator.

The organisers are hoping to encourage discussion among cine-goers through post-film interactions with the audience.

With another gay film fest called Kashish to be held in the city in end-April, it seems evident that gay awareness is struggling to emerge out of the subterranean subway, and on to celluloid.
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Because while old prejudices might be crumbling, they have not yet been entirely replaced by a new reality.u00a0

AT: National College, Bandra (W)
Log on to: //queernazariya.weebly.com for details on the fest and schedule

Films to watch out for

EVERYTHING:
This is about a day in the life of a young Sikh boy as he struggles with his sexual and cultural identity. The film touches on themes such as the coming of age, religion,u00a0 homophobia, alienation, AIDS and belonging.